Modular climate change tarp system

ABSTRACT

A heat transfer system having a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface, and two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source (heating) or heat sink (cooling) across the heat transfer surface. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of edge regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between edge regions, such as adjacent edge regions or opposing edge regions. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of corner regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between corner regions, such as adjacent corner regions or opposing corner regions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable heat transfer surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular system including a flexible membrane associated with connectable hoses adapted to circulate a thermal media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In industrial construction such as earthwork/earth moving, construction of oil & gas pipelines, maintenance of vessels or tanks, building construction, and other operations require heating or cooling in order to provide for operations to safely and efficiently continue in adverse climates or adverse ambient conditions. The equipment, work, and personnel may require protection from the ambient conditions and/or the localized ambient conditions may require management.

In cold climates, the topsoil or at least some depth of the earth's surface may freeze which may inhibit earthwork, such as digging or trenching. Traditionally thawing or warming of the ground may be accomplished by covering the ground with a combustible material such as coal or straw and a makeshift enclosure and burning the combustible material, covering the ground with a sheet or tarp and forcing heated air under the sheet or tarp until the ground is sufficiently thawed, or distributing a number of hoses across the ground and then covering the hoses with a sheet or tarp, the hoses separate from the sheet or tarp, and then pumping a heated fluid through the hoses. These operations may be time consuming and inefficient in both set up and operation.

In a related field, underground pipeline construction requires the creation of a trench, into which the pipeline is placed. Additional weight or ballast may be required to help overcome or counteract the buoyant forces that tend to push the pipeline upward, such as pipeline contents or groundwater. This weight or ballast may be provided by concrete weights that are set on or poured in place (on the pipeline) along a length of the pipeline, typically spaced apart one from the next or together. To obtain proper strength and other characteristics the concrete pour must be properly cured.

Generally, in the curing of concrete, best practices include managing moisture (humidity) and temperature, for a period of time. These stringent requirements can be difficult to meet in times of cold or hot temperatures.

Presently, the poured concrete may be heated with direct fired or indirect forced air heaters which heat the cold ambient air to provide heated air into a makeshift enclosure constructed to enclose a portion of the poured concrete (such as hoarding). One challenge is that the makeshift enclosure (such as hoarding) may be susceptible to wind damage. Another challenge is that the cold air can be very dry, and once heated that very dry hot air can pull moisture from the poured concrete, making it difficult to maintain the humidity for proper curing. In addition, the air heater, which may include an open flame, is an added fire risk.

In a related field, general construction such as commercial construction, residential construction, industrial construction etc. must sometimes proceed in cold weather. Presently, personnel, equipment or work product such as concrete pours may require localized control of the ambient conditions. This may be accomplished by direct fired or indirect forced air heaters and some form of cover or hoarding.

U.S. Ser. No. 12/132,571 “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Ambient Conditions” by the same inventors herein teaches one approach. Due to its design which includes a thermal conduit (or hose) with one inlet and one outlet for each surface member (or tarp) a large installation may become somewhat complex requiring preliminary layout design and use of additional headers or connecting hoses.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system and method that provides for a localized ambient condition control or management to allow these industrial operations to continue in cold or hot conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous methods and apparatus for controlling a localized climate or ambient condition.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heat transfer system including a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface, and two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source (heating) or heat sink (cooling) across the heat transfer surface.

In one embodiment, the flexible surface member includes a plurality of side regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between side regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing side regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent side regions.

In one embodiment, the flexible surface member includes a plurality of corner regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between corner regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing corner regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent corner regions.

In one embodiment, each of the two or more thermal conduits having a first end connector and a second end connector, each of the first end connector and the second end connector adapted to connect to a corresponding connector.

In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits attached to the first side or the second side of the flexible surface member.

In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits sandwiched within the flexible surface member, between the first side and the second side.

In one embodiment, the surface member includes polyethylene sheet.

In one embodiment, the surface member is substantially impermeable to water vapor.

In one embodiment, the heat transfer system further includes an insulating member adapted for the flexible surface member.

In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits are releasably attached to the flexible surface member. In one embodiment, the flexible surface member further comprising channels for releasably retaining each of the two or more thermal conduits. In one embodiment, the channels comprising a mesh.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of heating or cooling a body including providing a heat transfer system having a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface, and two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, each of the two or more conduits having a first end connector and a second end connector, each of the first end connector and the second end connector adapted to connect to a corresponding connector, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface, positioning the heat transfer system proximate the body, selectively connecting the heat transfer conduits, and supplying heated or cooled thermal media to the heat transfer system to heat or cool the body.

In one embodiment, the flexible surface member including a plurality of connection regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between connection regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing connection regions. In one embodiment, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent connection regions.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a four-edged surface member of the present invention with thermal conduits;

FIG. 2 is a typical connector for use with thermal conduit of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative end to end configuration of surface members of the present invention (with detail of thermal conduit connection);

FIG. 4 is an illustrative end to end configuration of surface members of the present invention (with thermal media circuit);

FIG. 5 is an illustrative configuration of surface members of the present invention (with thermal media circuit);

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a four-edged surface member of the present invention with thermal conduits;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative configuration of surface members of the present invention (extending linearly outward from supply/return headers);

FIG. 8 is an illustrative configuration of surface members of the present invention (forming a circuit);

FIG. 9 is an illustrative configuration of a surface member of the present invention (indicating alternate connection regions);

FIG. 10 is an illustrative configuration of a surface member of the present invention utilizing opposing corner regions;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative configuration of a surface member of the present invention utilizing adjacent side regions;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative configuration of a surface member of the present invention utilizing adjacent corner regions; and

FIG. 13 is an illustrative configuration of a surface member of the present invention utilizing opposing side regions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present invention provides a modular system for stand-alone portable management of heating, cooling, temperature maintenance, insulation, and vapour control.

Referring to FIG. 1, a surface member 10 of the present invention includes a sheet 20 having a first side 30 and a second side 40. At least three thermal conduits 50 (four thermal conduits 50 shown as 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, and 50-4) extending from an inlet 60 at one edge 45 to an outlet 70 at an adjacent edge is attached to the first side 30 (shown), the second side 40 (not shown), or both the first side 30 and the second side 40 (not shown). The surface member 10 is a modular integration of the thermal conduit 50 and the sheet 20, and provide a variety of functions including heat transfer, insulation (heat transfer reduction or inhibition), and vapor barrier. The first side 30 or the second side 40 or both may be heat reflective, for example light colored, such as white, silver, or mirrored, or may be heat absorbing, for example dark colored, such as black.

The thermal conduit 50 which is woven into the sheet 20 (slid through the mesh 90 forming channel 80 which holds it in place on one side of the sheet 20) is adapted to carry a heated (or cooled) thermal media 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), for example water, glycol, oil, steam, air or another fluid whether liquid or vapor, from a thermal unit or other heat source (not shown), and act as a conductive or radiant heat exchanger—depending upon the solid, liquid or vapour (such as air) being heated.

The sheet 20 may also provide insulating qualities, for example of itself, or by forming an air space between the sheet 20 and the body that is being heated or cooled.

The surface member 10 is designed to allow different configurations and types of thermal conduit 50 as required by the application. As such, one (or a few) designs of the sheet 20 may be used with a variety of interchangeable sizes and designs of the thermal conduit 50 as required by the application to provide a wide variety of modular designs and configurations and energy flux (heating or cooling) for the surface member 10.

The surface member 10 may be constructed of a variety of layered materials including nylon (mesh hose fastening material), reflective metallic materials, and entrapped air pockets. This construction provides an insulator, heat reflector, and vapor barrier.

The physical construction of the surface member 10 also reflects its application. Robust in construction, its size and detail will vary, as it is handled by hand or by machine. Its designed to function in remote locations, rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, and blowing snow.

Referring to FIG. 2, a joint 55 provides a connection between thermal conduits 50 to form a continuous flow path or circuit. The joint 55 may use connectors 65/75 attached to the respective thermal conduit 50 for convenience, and the connectors 65/75 may be male or female or color coded for convenience. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are almost limitless means for connecting one thermal conduit 50 to another thermal conduit 50 in accordance with the present invention, and the male/female connectors shown are but one example. Similarly, although two connectors 65/75 are shown, one skilled in the art recognizes that a single connector may be used for connecting one thermal conduit 50 to another thermal conduit 50 in accordance with the present invention, forming the joint 55.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first surface member 10A is located proximate to a second surface member 10B. Thermal conduits 50A are connected with thermal conduits 50B. As an example, the connector 75A-2 at the outlet 70A-2 of thermal conduit 50A-2 and the connector 65B-1 at the outlet 60B-1 of thermal conduit 50B-1 are joined. Similarly, the connector 75B-4 at the outlet 70B-4 of thermal conduit 50B-4 and the connector 65A-3 at the outlet 60A-3 of thermal conduit 50A-3 are joined.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first surface member 10A is located proximate to a second surface member 10B which is located proximate to a third surface member 10C. This is merely a simple example for illustration, and one skilled in the art recognizes that the modular design allows flexibility in laying out the surface members 10.

Thermal conduits 50A (50A-1, 50A-2, 50A-3, 50A-4), 50B (50B-1, 50B-2, 50B-3, 50B-4), and 50C (50C-1, 50C-2, 50C-3, 50C-4) are connected between and within the surface members 10A, 10B, and 10C to form a circuit or loop 105 for thermal media 100. As depicted, certain connections are referred to as “Closed” or “Open”. As used herein, “Closed” means the thermal conduit 50 is connected within a given surface member 10, and “Open” means the thermal conduit 50 is connected to a thermal conduit 50 for an adjacent surface member 10. For example, the connection between thermal conduit 50A-1 and 50A-2 is referred to as “Closed” because the fluid flow path stays within or on the surface member 10A. For example, the connection between thermal conduit 50C-4 and 50B-3 is referred to as “Open” because the fluid flow path extends between the surface member 10C and the surface member 10B. By selectively connecting thermal conduits 50 as “Closed” or “Open” a desired flow path for thermal media 100 is formed, extending from an inlet 60 across the area to an outlet 70, forming the circuit or loop 105 for thermal media 100.

Thermal media 100 is received to the inlet 60A-1 and returned from the outlet 70A-4. The thermal media 100 is heated (thermal media 100 h) or cooled/chilled (thermal media 100 c) by a thermal unit known to one skilled in the art, for example as described in U.S. Ser. No. 12/132,571 “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Ambient Conditions” by the same inventors herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, a first surface member 10A is located proximate to a second surface member 10B which is located proximate to a third surface member 10C. This is merely a simple example for illustration, and one skilled in the art recognizes that the modular design allows flexibility in selectively laying out the surface members 10 as desired.

Thermal conduits 50A (50A-1, 50A-2, 50A-3, 50A-4), 50B (50B-1, 50B-2, 50B-3, 50B-4), and 50C (50C-1, 50C-2, 50C-3, 50C-4) are connected between and within the surface members 10A, 10B, and 10C to form a circuit or loop 105 for thermal media 100. As above, certain connections are referred to as “Closed” or “Open”. As an example of “Closed”, the connection between thermal conduit 50C-2 and 50C-3 is referred to as “Closed” because the fluid flow path stays within or on the surface member 10C. The outlet 70C-2 of the thermal conduit 50C-2 is connected with the inlet 60C-3 of the thermal conduit 50C-3.

As an example of “Open”, the connection between thermal conduit 50B-3 and 50C-2 is referred to as “Open” because the fluid flow path extends between the surface member 10B and the surface member 10C. The outlet 70B-3 of the thermal conduit 50B-3 is connected with the inlet 60C-2 of the thermal conduit 50C-2.

Referring to FIG. 6, a surface member 10 of the present invention includes a sheet 20 having a first side 30 and a second side 40. At least two thermal conduits 50 (two thermal conduits 50 shown as 50-1, 50-2) extending from an inlet 60 proximate one corner portion of the surface member (shown at edge 45) to an outlet 70 proximate an opposite corner portion of the surface member 10 (shown at edge 45).

Referring to FIG. 7, surface members 10A, 10B, 10C of the present invention are arranged in a linearly extending fashion from supply/return headers. A line of surface members may extend outward from each of 10A, 10B, and/or 10C, and the final surface member “Closed” by connecting the inlet 60/outlet 70 together to form a circuit between the supply header and return header.

Referring to FIG. 8, surface members 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F of the present invention are arranged in a circular fashion from a supply/return. A flow circuit is established between surface members 10A (thermal conduit 50A-1), 10B (thermal conduit 50B-1), 10C (thermal conduit 50C-1), 10D (thermal conduit 50D-1), 10E (thermal conduit 50E-1), and 10F (thermal conduit 50E-1). Within surface member 10F, the hoses are “Closed” by connecting thermal conduit 50E-1 and thermal conduit 50E-2 (outlet 70E-1 is connected with inlet 60E-2). The flow circuit is completed back to the return header by surface member 10F (thermal conduit 50E-2), 10E (thermal conduit 50E-2), 10D (thermal conduit 50D-2), 10C (thermal conduit 50C-2), 10B (thermal conduit 50B-2) and 10A (thermal conduit 50A-2).

Referring to FIG. 9, the surface member 10 has a plurality of connection regions 110 which may be utilized for the connection points for the thermal conduits 50. One skilled in the art recognizes that there are several variations in the design of specific embodiments of the present invention. Corner regions 120, 120-A, and 120-O may be used. The corner region 120-A and the corner region 120 are adjacent. The corner region 120-O and the corner region 120 are opposing. Side regions 130, 130-A, and 130-O may be used. The side region 130-A and the side region 130 are adjacent. The side region 130-O and the side region 130 are opposing. One skilled in the art recognizes that the adjacent/opposing designation is relative and repeatable throughout the design.

Referring to FIG. 10, the surface member 10 includes thermal conduits 50 extending between the corner region 120 and the corner region 120-0. See also FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. While depicted as extending between bottom-left and top-right connection regions 110, one skilled in the art recognizes that the top-left and bottom-right connection regions 110 may alternatively be used. In this FIG. 10, the thermal conduits 50 are shown only schematically between the connection regions 110, and the actual routing, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface is not shown.

Referring to FIG. 11, the surface member 10 includes thermal conduits 50 extending between the side region 130 and the side region 130-A (two side regions), and between the side region 130-A and the side region 130-O. See also FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5. In this FIG. 11, the thermal conduits 50 are shown only schematically between the connection regions 110, and the actual routing, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface is not shown.

Referring to FIG. 12, the surface member 10 includes thermal conduits 50 extending between the corner region 120 and the corner region 120-A (two corner regions), and between the corner region 120-A and the corner region 120-O. This configuration is similar to that of FIG. 11, with the connection regions 110 rotated by about 45 degrees relative to the surface member 10. In this FIG. 12, the thermal conduits 50 are shown only schematically between the connection regions 110, and the actual routing, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface is not shown.

Referring to FIG. 13, the surface member 10 the surface member 10 includes thermal conduits 50 extending between the side region 130 and the side region 130-0. While depicted as extending between the right and left side connection regions, one skilled in the art recognizes that the upper and lower side connection regions 110 may alternatively be used. This configuration is similar to that of FIG. 10, with the connection regions 110 rotated by about 45 degrees relative to the surface member 10. In this FIG. 13, the thermal conduits 50 are shown only schematically between the connection regions 110, and the actual routing, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface is not shown.

The surface members 10 shown herein are preferably rectangular or square, but may be other shapes, including but not limited to triangular or other polyhedron, or circular.

The surface members 10 may be interconnected, for example by straps and buckles, or other connection means for holding them in place, relative to each other or relative to the earth or other body being heated or cooled or both.

Applications and use are numerous and potentially unlimited as the system can be used for virtually any heat, thaw, cure, dry, or cooling application in any industry. The present invention provides for the management of temperature and optionally vapour or air flow. Some heating applications range from but are not limited to curing pipeline concrete ballast, tank coating, fluids heating, concrete curing in general, ground thaw, hoarding, and hydro testing (by maintaining temperature above freezing temperature of the hydro test fluid such as water and/or maintaining wall temperature during hydro test such as when required due to material properties).

In operation, the body or surface to be climate controlled is covered or enclosed with one or more of surface member(s) 10 and the thermal conduits 50 selectively connected as “Open” or “Closed” to form a fluid flow path 105 (or a plurality of fluid flow paths as the case may be). Thermal media 100 (or 100 h or 100 c) is then circulated through the fluid flow path 105 to transfer heat to or from the body or surface.

As used herein the inlet 60 and outlet 70 may be interchanged, as the thermal media 100 can flow either direction through the thermal conduits 50.

As used herein the first side 30 and the second side 40 may be interchanged. However, generally, the first side 30 would be nearest or more proximate the body being heated/cooled.

As used herein, a heat sink refers to heat flowing from the body or surface to the heat transfer surface in a cooling or refrigeration operation to cool the body or surface.

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto. 

1. A heat transfer system comprising: a. a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface; and b. two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface.
 2. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the flexible surface member having a plurality of side regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between side regions.
 3. The heat transfer system of claim 2, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing side regions.
 4. The heat transfer system of claim 2, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent side regions.
 5. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the flexible surface member having a plurality of corner regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between corner regions.
 6. The heat transfer system of claim 5, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing corner regions.
 7. The heat transfer system of claim 5, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent corner regions.
 8. The heat transfer system of claim 1, each of the two or more thermal conduits having a first end connector and a second end connector, each of the first end connector and the second end connector adapted to connect to a corresponding connector.
 9. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the two or more thermal conduits attached to the first side or the second side of the flexible surface member.
 10. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the two or more thermal conduits sandwiched within the flexible surface member, between the first side and the second side.
 11. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the surface member comprising polyethylene sheet.
 12. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the surface member substantially impermeable to water vapor.
 13. The heat transfer system of claim 1, further comprising an insulating member adapted for the flexible surface member.
 14. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the two or more thermal conduits releasably attached to the flexible surface member.
 15. The heat transfer system of claim 1, the flexible surface member further comprising channels for releasably retaining each of the two or more thermal conduits.
 16. The heat transfer system of claim 15, the channels comprising a mesh.
 17. A method of heating or cooling a body comprising: a. providing a heat transfer system including: i. a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface; and ii. two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, each of the two or more conduits having a first end connector and a second end connector, each of the first end connector and the second end connector adapted to connect to a corresponding connector, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source or heat sink across the heat transfer surface; b. positioning the heat transfer system proximate the body; c. selectively connecting the heat transfer conduits; and d. supplying heated or cooled thermal media to the heat transfer system to heat or cool the body.
 18. The method of claim 17, the flexible surface member having a plurality of connection regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between connection regions.
 19. The method of claim 18, the two or more thermal conduits extending between opposing connection regions.
 20. The method of claim 18, the two or more thermal conduits extending between adjacent connection regions. 